Toll-free number: 00-1-866-978-7398
Share this in:
18 Day Expedition to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula
This expedition offers the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, you will experience the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This program is orientated to the viewing of wildlife and the breathtaking scenery of narrow waterways, glaciers, icebergs and the rugged mountains.
The itinerary given below is the 11 day expedition. Of course no two expeditions can be exactly the same so the itinerary outlined here is for your guidance only: the Captain and the Expedition Leader will assess conditions daily with the intention of maximizing your time ashore. This means taking full advantage of opportunities to land with the zodiacs and making best use of the light of the long summer days.
| Overview Itinerary |
| Day 01: |
Arrival in Buenos Aires |
| Day 02: |
City tour of Buenos Aires |
| Day 03: |
Gaucho’s Party |
| Day 04: |
Flight to Ushuaia |
| Day 05: |
Tierra del Fuego National Park |
| Day 06: |
Cruise with the Antarctic Dream |
| Day 07: |
Antarctic Convergence |
| Day 08: |
Antarctic Convergence |
| Day 09: |
King George Islands |
| Day 10: |
Antarctic |
| Day 11: |
Lemaire Channel – Petermann Island |
| Day 12: |
Paradise Bay – Cuverville Island |
| Day 13: |
Deception Island – Hannah Point |
| Day 14: |
Drake Passage |
| Day 15: |
Drake Passage |
| Day 16: |
Flight to Ushuaia |
| Day 17: |
Flight to Buenos Aires |
| Day 18: |
International flight |
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Today you will arrive in Buenos Aires. At the airport you will be met by the guide and transfer to the Hotel Abasto Plaza 5* or similar. Overnight stay. Dinner at the hotel, a glass wine per person is included. -/-/D
Day 2: City tour of Buenos Aires
In the morning you will be picked up from the hotel in order to start the full day private Buenos Aires city tour. On this tour you will discover all the magic of Argentina's capital city. The tour includes the magnificent Recoleta end Palermo neighborhoods, with all the beauty and elegance of their parks and buildings, the Colon Theatre, one of the five most important opera theatres in the world, Mayo Square, around which the history and political life of the country have taken place throughout the years, the Pink House, the Cathedral, the typical Mayo Avenue, the Congress and many other buildings and palaces of special architectural, historical and cultural value. The tour continues in San Telmo, home to the XIX century aristocracy of the city, Caminito in the colorful neighborhood of Italian immigrants called La Boca, and the very recently renewed and newest area of the city: Puerto Madero. Lunch in Puerto Madero. In the afternoon you will return to the hotel. In the evening you will be picked up once again for the Tango dinner show and afterwards you will return to the hotel (around midnight). B/L/D
Day 3: Gaucho’s Party
In the morning you will depart from the hotel to enjoy the Gaucho's Party. This is a visit to a typical "estancia" of the Argentine wet pampas, one of the most fertile natural prairies of the world and famous for its meat and cereal production. Upon arrival you will be invited to taste "empanadas", a typical appetizer and later then the "asado", which will be served with good Argentine wines. Later on you will enjoy a show of folkloric songs, dances and of Creole skill. In the afternoon you will return to the hotel. B/L/-
Day 4: Flight to Ushuaia
According to your flight time you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the national airport in order to take the flight to Ushuaia. Upon arrival you will be picked up and taken to to the Albatros hotel – 4*. Accommodation. Dinner at hotel (a glass wine per person is included). B/-/D
Day 5: Tierra del Fuego National Park
09AM Departure from hotel to do Tierra del Fuego National Park tour. It is located 11 km away from the city. You will be able to appreciate lakes, lagoons and rivers within its limits, and their exit towards Beagle Channel, characteristic that makes the difference with the other national parks of this country. Departing from the Maipu Avenue towards the southwest by the national route number 3, you will drive out of the city passing the slope of the Susana Mount, witness of the work of the prisoners of the old prison, where now the Southern Fuegian Railway is located. Here you will stop for this optional tour. Continuing through the valley to the deviation that takes you to the Ensenada Bay, where you will be able to contemplate the Redonda and Estorbo Islands and on the other coast of the Channel of Beagle, the snow-white Mountains of the Sampaio Chain (Chile). Back again on the national route #3 with the fuegian forest and its flora close to the road you will go to the Roca Lake to do a long walk by the lake coast and by the Lapataia River originated in the lake. From this point you can see the Cóndor Hill natural border with Chile. You will go towards the other end of the park, where finalizes the route #3 at Lapataia Bay, on the way to the mentioned bay you will observe the Green Lagoon and the Black Lagoon, large growing peat bog. Finally you will pass by the beaver dams, whose footpath will lead to Lapataia Bay. Around midday you will return to the hotel. In the evening you will have dinner at the hotel (a glass wine per person is included). B/-/D
Day 6: Cruise with the Antarctic Dream
You will be picked up and taken to the harbor of Ushuaia. You will board the "Antarctic Dream" where you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. The check in starts at 2:30 pm. B/-/D
Day 7 to 8: Antarctic Convergence
Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds will escort the vessel as you sail south across this famous passage named after Sir Francis Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. You will continue towards the Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zone. In 1819, the British explorer William Smith described the South Shetland Islands as "barren and covered with snow, with seals in abundance". Yet, mosses and lichens thrive during the short summer at the low-lying peninsulas of these rugged islands located directly adjacent to the Antarctic Peninsula. B/L/D
Day 9: King George Islands
King George Island will give you an early taste of what the Antarctic really is. It was discovered by the British adventurer William Smith in 1819 and is the biggest island of the South Shetlands; nearly 90% of it is covered by the Collins glacier. During the morning, you will disembark in Potter Bay and visit the Argentine scientific base, Jubany. Here there will be great chances of finding marine elephants. In the afternoon you will disembark at Aitcho Island which is in between Greenwich and Robert Islands and is part of the South Shetlands. You should be able to see Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins as well as Weddell Sea seals and sea elephants before continuing with the crossing of the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits to enter Andvord Bay where we find Neko Bay. B/L/D
King George Islands
Day 10: Antarctic
Besides the magnificent scenery of mountains, snow and ice, in Antarctica you can expect to see a wide variety of the native wildlife, including thousands of nests of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie penguins. Other birds to look out for are blue-eyed shags, gulls, cape petrels, skuas, snowy sheathbills and Antarctic terns. Marine mammals that you are likely to see include Weddell crab-eaters and leopard seals while Orcas, humpback and mink whales may be spotted at close range. This area is also of substantial historical interest and was extensively explored by several expeditions during the 19th century. Passengers should feel the same sense of excitement as the early explorers as you keep a lookout from the Bridge or other vantage points while your vessel threads its way through this dramatic and pristine region. The program includes your first landing on the White Continent (Neko Bay) and another on Port Lockroy (Gaudier Island). Neko Bay was discovered by Adrian de Gerlache, a Belgian explorer between 1897 and 1899 and it is called Neko after the Norwegian whale ship which operated in this area from 1911 to 1912 and from 1923 to 1924. Port Lockroy is close to Wiencke Island in the Antarctic Peninsula and was the principle base of the 1944 Tabarin Operation - the scientific research included the Antarctic’s first ionosphere measurements and also the first recording of an atmospheric whistle. B/L/D
Day 11: Lemaire Channel – Petermann Island
You will sail south through the narrow Lemaire Channel whose high, sheer cliffs suggest that no passage could be found. Once through the channel, known as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and provided climate and ice conditions are good enough, you will be able to visit Petermann Island which is the most southern land point of the expedition. Here you will disembark and will be able to see the most southern colony of Gentoo penguins which nest near our landing spot. On this island you will also be able to see a colony of beautiful Adelei penguins, skuas and blue-eyed shags. At Pleneau you should have the opportunity to take our zodiacs and visit impressive ice formations. B/L/D
Day 12: Paradise Bay – Cuverville Island
At this point of the program you will begin the return voyage. During the morning and, stressing again that "if weather permits", you will disembark or use the zodiacs in Paradise Bay. This is one of the most striking places of the whole Antarctic Peninsula. Here glaciers tumble into the sea; icebergs break off and are later carved into wonderful shapes by the wind and the sea. In the evening you will visit Cuverville Island. Beside its dramatic scenery it is home to one of the largest colony of Gentoo penguins and skuas. This rocky island is on the north side of the Errera Channel, between Ronge Island and the Arctowski Peninsula. It has been noted that reproduction of Papua penguins, giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas, and shags take place on Cuverville Island. Most visitors find the viewing of such abundant wildlife is every bit as rewarding as the magnificent Antarctic scenery, and you will be enchanted by these waterways. Navigating and exploring these channels is certainly one of the highlights of a visit to the Peninsula. Unfortunately on some trips they may be choked with icebergs and pack ice. B/L/D
Day 13: Deception Island – Hannah Point
You continue sailing to Deception Island which is at the northwest side of the Peninsula. Deception Island is the largest active volcano in the area and one of the main sources of seismic and volcanic activity in the Antarctic. Sailing through the narrow passage into its huge flooded crater is a thrilling experience. Do not forget to bring your bathing suit as swimming in this water is a unique experience. During the morning you will try to disembark in Whaler’s Bay and Pendulum Cove. In the afternoon and depending on weather conditions you will disembark at Hannah Point (Livingstone Island). This is one of the best places in the Antarctic to see fauna and we should see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas and blue-eyed shags. With luck we should also see sea elephants. B/L/D
Deception Island
Day 14 – 15: Drake Passage
Today, you will leave the Antarctic and head north back across the Drake Passage. Now is the chance to compare and revise notes and dwell on the adventures of the past week, to take in the final lectures and to enjoy the delicious gastronomy on board as you return to Ushuaia. B/L/D
Day 16: Arrival in Ushuaia
After and early breakfast you will land at 9:00 am at the harbor of Ushuaia. The crew will say goodbye. So ends an incredible and unique expedition. Transfer to Albatros hotel. The rest of the day is at your own disposal. Dinner at hotel (a glass wine per person is included). B/-/D
Day 17: Flight to Buenos Aires
Private bilingual transfer to the airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. Arrival and private transfer to Abasto Plaza Hotel 5* or similar. Dinner at hotel (a glass wine per person is included). B/-/D
Day 18: International flight
Private bilingual transfer to Ezeiza airport.
B: Breakfast / L: Lunch / D: Dinner
Prices 2010:
USD 9,530.- per person in a double room/cabin
Supplement for Shackleton Deck (double basis) USD 1,435.- per person
Supplement for Piloto Pardo Deck (double basis) USD 3775.- per person
Supplement for Cape Horn Deck (double basis) USD 4835.- per person
|
Call us now Toll-free:
00-1-866-978-7398 |
Starting Dates with arrival in Buenos Aires:
02.11.2010
12.11.2010
22.11.2010
02.12.2010
13.12.2010
23.02.2010
05.03.2010
15.03.2010
Programme includes:
*Private bilingual transfer Airport / hotel / Airport
*04 nights accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast
*03 nights accommodation in Ushuaia with breakfast
*02 dinners with a glass of wine at hotel in Buenos Aires
*03 dinners with a glass of wine at hotel in Ushuaia
*Tango dinner show in Buenos Aires
*Full day private Buenos Aires City tour
*1 Lunch in Puerto Madero with 1 soft drink per person (during city tour)
*Gaucho’s Party in Buenos Aires in shared service with lunch
*Tierra del Fuego National Park tour with entrance in Ushuaia (shared service)
*11days Antarctic Expedition with full board in Amundsen deck
*Medical assistance on board
*Luggage handling
Programme NOT includes:
*International and local air tickets
*Medical assistance off board
*Passports or visas
*Tips
*Extras
If you need any additional information please write us:
Note:
Please note that you should regard this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to the weather conditions you will encounter. Flexibility is the key to success for all expedition of the M/V Antarctic Dream. Please keep in mind the vagaries of conditions in the south compel. Fuel surcharge is not included
Reservations and Payment
The following deposits are required to confirm a reservation.
• USD 1,700 per person
Cancellations and Refunds
All requests for cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation received 90 days prior to departure will be fully refunded less an administrative fee of USD 500 per person. Within the 90 day limit, all money is forfeited. If cancellation occurs within the 90 day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, and unpaid money is due immediately. For these and other reasons mentioned below, you are strongly encouraged to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Rates quoted are based on group participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the program in which you choose not to participate. It is understood that refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason whatsoever.
Itinerary
The itinerary described is subject to change at the discretion of the ship’s master. This is an expedition to a remote part of the world, and the ship reserves the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions, availability of anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond control without consulting the participants. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of all the passengers aboard and with regard to the safety of the vessel. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these inevitable itinerary changes.
Rates
Expediction rates are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange rates and the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the cost of expedition arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to alter our prices accordingly.
Responsibility
Please read this important information carefully. The payment of a deposit of any part or full payment for a reservation on this expedition shall constitute consent to all the provisions contained herein. We are not liable for property loss or damage and/or any damages resulting from illness, personal injuries or death which may be sustained by reason of, or while engaged in, any tour whether due to the ownership, maintenance, use, operation or control of any aircraft, automobile, bicycle, boat, vehicle, hotel, common carrier or any other conveyance used in carrying out these expedition. We require that all passengers fill out the entire personal and medical form, which is confidential and provided online to all travelling passengers. The company cannot be held responsible for any problems caused by incomplete or missing information. We can assume no liability due to any cause whatsoever whether caused by failure or delay or other irregularity, acts or omissions occurring during a tour under which the means of transportation or other service provided thereby is offered or supplied.
Cabins Description
40 Outside Double Staterooms
Located in 4 Decks:
Cape Horn Deck
2 Suites: Each suite 14,6m², tub and 7 windows with Queen size bed
Piloto Pardo Deck
2 Suites: Each suite 12,8m², tub and 3 windows; one cabin with Queen size bed other with twin beds
Shackleton Deck
17 Superior Staterooms: Each cabin 9 m², shower and 1 window; 7 cabins with Queen size bed and 10 cabins with twin beds
Amundsen Deck
19 Staterooms: Each cabin 8,6m², shower and 1 porthole; 11 cabins with Queen size bed and 8 cabins with twin beds
Equipment
- Private Bathroom
- Closed Circuit TV
- Individual / Central Heating
- Internal Telephone Connection
- Wardrobe
Clothing
We suggest you bring appropriate clothing for the region’s weather:
- UV sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Casual clothing on the ship
- Thermal clothing, non-synthetic is recommended
- Sun block
- Swimming suit
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Impermeable pants
- UV Sun glasses
- Binoculars
- Parka
For disembarking, crew members will give passengers special clothing to use for the duration of the trip, which must be worn for landings (jackets and boots).
Home
Design by Graphus 2010